When most people inquire about the grading classification of a sapphire, they expect that it will have a similar standardized system as diamond grading. Standardized grading of color, clarity and cutting has never been something that has been established on a uniform basis within the trade or within the various independent
gemological laboratories.

There are many legitimate reasons why this is the case.

The basis is this: There are too many unique variables and subjective gradings within the realm of colored stones.

Diamonds for example, are not graded on tone, saturation or type of color - they are graded on the basis of not having any color. The baseline is colorless in diamonds. The diamond laboratories now use computer equipment that will electronically grade diamond color content against a baseline of colorlessness.

You can’t do this with sapphires and other colored gemstones.

Colored stones are all about many characteristics of color:

    Color tone
    Saturation
    Purity of color

The problem is that color interpretation is always unique from one person to the next, so it is almost
impossible to agree on a standard. Also, there are so many tones and hues of one type of color that
identifying them all correctly on a standardized basis would be impossible.

On clarity, colored stones are generally far more saturated with inclusions at a level of 10 x magnifications than
with diamonds. There are many different types of inclusions in colored stones as well. If the same clarity
grading system were in place for colored stones as it is for diamonds, there would almost never be high-clarity
graded colored gemstones.

This does not mean that all colored stones are included; rarely can you see inclusions without the support of
magnification. Even in "included" colored stones it is difficult to see clarity issues without close inspection or
with the aid of a loupe or microscope.

Cutting grading has similar complexity issues as clarity grading. The basic issue with grading cutting on colored
gemstones is that there are so many types of cutting styles. It would be almost impossible to give a complete
detail of a cutting style on each and every colored stone.

Demand for laboratory grading within sapphires and other colored stones has not reached a level where such
a standardized system has been needed as of yet. If demand continues to rise for a standardized grading
system it is possible that some perimeters will be established in a uniform code. In most cases an ideal grading
should be done by a third party that has excellent experience within the field as well as no interest in the sale
of the item being graded. But the bottom line is that there is currently no standardized grading system.
If someone tells you otherwise they are trying to sell you a service that is only reliable with that one person or
company and not the general market.

Bottom Line :

Common sense and raw beauty on how a sapphire appears to you is what will matter the most in the
end. Here are the main points you want to review for “grading”.


Color :

It must be pleasing to your eye. Whether it be blue, pink, yellow, Padparadscha, or unique sapphire
colors, this is the first priority in purchasing a sapphire. Color is subjective, but usually on beautiful
things most people agree. Something with a good purity of color that shows well in all lighting
conditions is what will usually be in high demand, and hence cost more than a sapphire with mixed
color tones.


Treatments :

Treated sapphires cost MUCH less than stones that are untreated (they should if you are buying from a
reputable source). At The Natural Sapphire Company we only try to offer 100% untreated sapphires.
There are so many different types of treated sapphires. If you would like to learn more about the many
types of treatments please refer to the “before and after photos” section.


Clarity :

If you can see inclusions within the sapphire easily this will bring the value down. If you can’t see
anything at all within the stone then this will be very rare, as sapphires will almost always have some
internal visual inclusions.

Cutting :

Full light and color reflection is a very important part of a fine sapphire. A “window” is a term used when
the center of the stone is lifeless and has no color or light reflection. A “window” will allow you to see
through the backside of the sapphire. Large windows should bring the price down in a sapphire, while a
stone with no window and full color and light reflection should increase the price.

 
Zoning :

Zoning, or sometimes referred to as “color-zoning” is when the color intensity or color purity is not
uniform throughout the sapphire. If you can see more color on one side but less on another side of a
stone this should decrease the price.

 

Size :

The size of a sapphire will have a good amount of influence over its price vs. a smaller stone of similar
attributes.
• 1-2 carat sapphires in fine quality are quite rare. Medium to lower qualities are not very uncommon.
• 3-4 carat sapphires in fine quality are difficult to replace. Medium to lower qualities are available
but not in large quantities.
• 5-7 carat sapphires in fine quality are very rare and almost impossible to match or replace. Medium to
lower qualities are rare in this size as well.
• 8-10 carat sapphires in fine quality are one of a kind, no two stones are the same, reliable supply is not
possible to maintain. Medium to lower qualities are rare and difficult to obtain as well.
• 10+ carat sapphires in fine quality are usually referred to as “Important” as they are always one of a
kind, extremely expensive in blue, pink and rare colors. These stones are for the lucky and fortunate,
not just the wealthy. Just to see these types of sapphires in person is referred to as a privilege.


Origin :

The origin of a sapphire can have significant value determination. Sapphires have historical references in
history and culture from particular locations that can weigh heavily on their values today. Burmese and
Ceylon (Sri Lankan) sapphires have been characterized as fine sapphires in Europe for centuries, but
Kashmir sapphires now have elite status, as they are no longer being found or mined.

• A Major Note of Opinion from The Natural Sapphire Company on origin: With our excellent and
thorough experience in working with sapphires and sapphire jewelry we have determined that origin
cannot be conclusively decided in sapphires. We offer fine quality untreated sapphires so we understand
them very well. We do not put value on a sapphire based on the “origin” of the stone. It is our
experience that FAR too many inconsistencies and crossover identity issues exist between all sapphires,
making it almost impossible to definitively state the origin of a sapphire.

Many (if not all) laboratories will tell you that they can in fact determine the origin of sapphires, but it is
our experience that they are NOT consistent and reliable results. One very prominent and famous
laboratory, the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) does not offer origin determination on sapphires.
While they may not state why they do not offer this service; it is our conclusion that they do not want to
report on things that cannot actually be reported on. If you look at the disclaimer on most laboratory
origin reports they do not accept liability for results on origin determination. If a laboratory certifies a
sapphire as a “Kashmir” origin the stone is worth 10 times its value if it is from another origin. This
extreme price difference does not make sense if so many flaws on origin reporting exist.

• The Natural Sapphire Company does not recommend or advocate spending premiums for stones
based on origin determination from a laboratory. We specify the origin of our sapphires in our listings.
These are based on our supplier and mine location where we know the sapphires originated.
Determining if a sapphire has been treated or not is usually very easy and we highly recommend only
purchasing sapphires that are untreated. Since we have found so many inconsistencies on origin
determinations we no longer purchase sapphires or sell sapphires with a price based on origin status
from a laboratory report. What is truly naturally beautiful and rare is valuable.

 
     
 
Sapphires: Types, Colors, Descriptions, Origins & Vital Details
Mining of Sapphires
Before & After Photos
Gem Laboratories and Details
Jewelry Terms and Details
Published News Articles and Essays on Sapphires and Treatments
 

 

 
 
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